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SPORTS ARCHIVE

NCHC Reveals Details During Media Day

09/20/2013 -
10:00 AM

The regular season championship trophy, The Julie and Spencer Penrose Memorial Cup.

The inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) media day was held on Thursday, September 19 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Coaches and student athletes were on hand from each of the eight member schools as well as the NCHC staff members to talk with the media and reveal the final details of the upcoming season and the preseason poll. NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton explained this is as time of transition across all leagues. “We have a unique and incredible opportunity to shape the great game of college hockey for the better by honoring the past history and tradition while forming new relationships and partnerships in this game.”

On Thursday morning the NCHC pre-season poll was released. SCSU received four first place votes, good for a third place finish in the poll. Miami (Ohio) and North Dakota claimed the top two spots. SCSU head coach Bob Motzko says a prediction as third place finish means nothing to him, “Preseason polls don’t score goals and don’t keep pucks out of the net. They don’t lift weights; they don’t do anything that prepares for the season. They are fun for fans.” SCSU’s Nic Dowd admits he didn’t even know what place the Huskies were picked to finish; “Take each game individually and work toward the common goal of having a successful season.” The complete poll puts Miami in first with seven votes followed by North Dakota with five votes.

Miami (7)

North Dakota (5)

St. Cloud State (4)

Denver

Western Michigan

Minnesota Duluth

Colorado College

Nebraska Omaha

Media outlets from across the nation were invited to interview coaches and players throughout the day. SCSU head coach Bob Motzko shared in the anticipation of the conference but was sure to bring the focus back to the game, “I’m more excited just for the hockey season and building our hockey team.” SCSU’s co-captain Nic Dowd expressed how significant this time is for husky hockey. “Excitement levels are high and I think that just adds to the year we had last year and we have this new rink too. It’s not just me that excited it’s our whole team and our community as a whole is pretty excited about this new conference.”

The introductory media day was concluded with Commissioner Josh Fenton’s state of the conference address. He talked about the excitement of puck drop and thanked those that have made this new conference a reality. Fenton also explained how the fans will be involved. The NCHC wants fans to help name the NCHC Conference tournament, the March to Minneapolis, which will take place at the Target Center March 21-22, 2014. To participate fans can share their ideas using the hashtag #NCHCChamp on social media. Fans can also lock in pricing for the 2015 NCHC Tournament if they purchase tickets to this year’s tournament prior to December 31, 2013. Fans should also stay on the lookout for a mobile app in the near future.

Finally, the day was concluded with the announcement of the post season awards. The Coach of the Year award will honor the man who helped shaped the game of hockey in the United States, Herb Brooks. The Herb Brooks Award will be handed out at the conclusion of each season. The team that holds the top spot in the conference at the end of the regular season will be honored with a brand new trophy. The Julie and Spencer Penrose Memorial Cup will be awarded annually to the regular season champion.